Red Bull offer response to bombshell Max Verstappen-McLaren swap rumour

Red Bull is addressing Verstappen-McLaren swap speculation, with team boss Laurent Mekies insisting Max Verstappen has made it clear he wants to stay. The remarks come after reports during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend suggested Verstappen could be swapped with Oscar Piastri at McLaren as early as next year. Mekies said Red Bull is focused on ending speculation by delivering the competitive car Verstappen seeks. He referenced Verstappen’s frustration about Red Bull’s midfield position in 2026 and noted Verstappen is 101 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli after seven grands prix. Red Bull also brought a major home-race upgrade in Austria, aiming to remove the final excess weight on the RB22. Mekies added that Verstappen is pushing with the team through large test scans during sessions and said discussions should end if the car reaches the desired level.